Rauner administration reassigns Illinois child care official

SPRINGFIELD — An official overseeing the state’s child care program was reassigned from her post by the Rauner administration.

The move came after the official, Linda Saterfield, then associate director of the Office of Early Childhood, testified last week before lawmakers that Gov. Bruce Rauner’s cuts to child care assistance would be “devastating” for families that rely on it.

The Rauner administration denied the move was due to Saterfield’s comments.

Veronica Vera, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, said the move was ordered by DHS Secretary James Dimas due to “internal personnel reasons.”

Saterfield is now the associate director for the office of Adult Services & Basic Support, Vera said. That office helps with services for vulnerable adults.

Her salary remains at $101,000 a year and it is considered a lateral move, Vera said.

In a memo sent to colleagues earlier this week, Saterfield wrote, “I will miss working with all of you. You have been wonderful volunteers and advocates for child care programs over the years. With reauthorization underway, it seems to be an appropriate time to bring in new leadership to take this program to the next level.”

Saterfield wrote in her memo that she has worked for the department since 1998.

Saterfield could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.